Russia

• New evidence suggests Russia is offering to trade North Korea food and much-needed basic commodities in exchange for weapons and ammunition it can use in Ukraine.
• Russia placed Nadya Tolokonnikova, a co-founder of the feminist punk-art group Pussy Riot, on its wanted list. Tolokonnikova is being investigated for "insulting the religious feelings of believers," whatever that means.

• China's Purchasing Managers' Index reached a 12-year high for March, indicating a speedy economic recovery from lockdown lows. Analysts now have a more optimistic outlook for GDP growth: 5% (which is precisely Beijing's target level).
• Japan plans to restrict its semiconductor manufacturing equipment exports, following the U.S.'s lead in an attempt to tighten controls on Chinese chipmaking.

• Finland is set to become a member of NATO now that Turkey's parliament ratified its accession. Turkey is still holding Sweden's accession bid hostage over the latter's refusal to hand Kurdish leaders over for prosecution.
• Finland's membership will give it protection against a possible Russian invasion since all NATO countries commit to come to the defense of any one that's invaded.
• The EU reached a deal to double the percentage of its energy coming from renewable sources from 22% today to up to 45% by 2030. That will require $123 billion in new infrastructure investments.